Little Libraries of Kitchener-Waterloo, a not-for-profit organization that enables homeowners to build their own libraries, is expanding its presence in the Region of Waterloo.

“It’s the idea that you build a little library, you put it on a lawn and you fill it up with books that you’re willing to let people read,” explained Kelly Kipfer, manager of community engagement and children’s services at the Waterloo Public Library. “There’s no formal process of checking materials out.”

The program sells kits, which cost $50 to homeowners, and they then assemble and keep on their property for neighbours to access.

People walking by are able to pick up and return books as they please.

“The idea is more so that people can put books that they’re done with,” Kipfer continued.

“When people put their books out there, there’s no expectation that it comes back. People put new books, they might take one from you and put three more in.”

Accordingly, there’s no concern about possible thefts that might occur.

Though there are not very many registered in the Little Free Library registry, there are many popping up around the Kitchener-Waterloo area, including one on Peppler Street around the Erb Street intersection in Waterloo.

Tom Nagy, who created Little Libraries of K-W, said he doesn’t have any formal objective for the number of little libraries the organization hopes to strive for.